Antonio Villaraigosa Endorses Ballot Initiative To Legalize Recreational Marijuana

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa said Monday he's endorsing a ballot initiative that would legalize the recreational use of marijuana in California.

Villaraigosa told the LA Times that he will join politicians including Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom in supporting Proposition 64.

"I took my time on this measure because I wanted to make sure it included protections for children and public safety," Villaraigosa said in a statement to the Times. "In evaluating the measure in its entirety, I am convinced there are enough safeguards to make it a workable proposition."

Villaraigosa is reportedly considering a run for governor in 2018.

Proposition 64 is among 17 statewide initiatives on the November 8 ballot.